天才
tiāncái
In Chinese, the English phrase "genius" is expressed as 天才 (tiāncái). If unsure, use 天才. Wiktionary also lists 人才 (réncái).
Meaning: someone possessing extraordinary intelligence or skill (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 天才 | tiāncái |
| 人才 | réncái |
The term 天才 is used to describe someone possessing extraordinary intelligence or skill.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 天才 literally means "heavenly talent."
Which one should you use?
While 天才 refers to innate, extraordinary genius, 人才 refers to a person with useful skills or professional talent suitable for a job or society.
How do you pronounce it?
tiāncái
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, calling someone a 天才 (tiāncái) can be used sarcastically to mean they have done something incredibly foolish.
- To describe a 'prodigy', Chinese speakers often use 神童, which literally translates to 'divine child', emphasizing a supernatural quality of youth.
- Chinese speakers may use the term 怪才 to describe a 'weird genius' or an eccentric person whose brilliance is unconventional.
Examples in context
- 雅妮是个天才。Yanni is a genius.This sentence is useful for identifying a person as a 天才.Tatoeba #10018251 by GlossaMatik, translation #10017581 by Amastan
- 他是一個數學天才。He is a mathematical genius.This sentence is useful for specifying a person as a mathematical 天才.Tatoeba #1020042 by egg0073, translation #1020038 by CM
- 他是个天才。He is a genius.Tatoeba #380721 by sherryyyf, translation #301761 by CK
- 这位年轻的画家被誉为艺术奇才This young painter is hailed as an art genius.
- 这个小朋友真是个小天才This kid is a little genius.
- 你真是个电脑天才You are a computer genius.
- 他是个聪明绝顶的人He is an incredibly clever person.
- 她真是聪明绝顶呀She is really brilliant!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a young pianist they saw perform.
- 佳怡 Jiayi那个小女孩真是个天才。Nàge xiǎo nǚhái zhēnshì gè tiāncái.That little girl is truly a genius.
- 伟 Wei她的音乐天赋太惊人了。Tā de yīnyuè tiānfù tài jīngrén le.Her musical talent is amazing.
- 佳怡 Jiayi伟，你觉得她以后会成功吗？Wěi, nǐ juéde tā yǐhòu huì chénggōng ma?Wei, do you think she will be successful in the future?
- 伟 Wei像她这样的天才一定可以。Xiàng tā zhèyàng de tiāncái yīdìng kěyǐ.A genius like her definitely will.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “genius” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
